Managing energy usage in mobile devices

ABSTRACT

A mobile device has one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of fog or frost on a surface of the mobile device. A battery provides power to the mobile device. An energy transfer element, when activated, removes fog or frost from a surface of the mobile device. A programmed processor, within the mobile device, is programmed to: read one or more sensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frost condition; upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating the energy transfer element to remove fog or frost; and upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition, deactivating the heater energy transfer element.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to mobile devices. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention relate to conserving energy in mobile devices and enhancing resistance to fogging or frosting of displays.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, mobile computing devices (“mobile devices”) combine characteristics of high levels of mobility, usefulness, and affordability. With high general utility at low cost, the mobile devices have become commonplace even in the consumer electronics (CE) marketplace. At least as significant, moreover, is the adoption of the use of the mobile devices over a wide spectrum of industrial, technical, and commercial spaces. Examples include order picking, inventory, and parking law enforcement.

The high mobility characteristics also relate to the ability of mobile devices to operate untethered from external power sources. Mobile devices are energized, over significant portions of their operations, by electrical power consumed from an on-board battery source. As the mobile devices operate over time, the power remaining available from the batteries diminishes, and at some point, may be recharged.

Extending the duration of a battery charge, and corresponding time between recharges, may mitigate the reduction in the mobility characteristic associated with connecting the mobile devices to the chargers or swapping battery packs. Extending the duration of a battery charge allows the device to be used continuously or repeatedly over the period of the charge duration, and increases the mobility and efficiency of use.

The high mobility and communicability characteristics of mobile devices allow the use of the devices over significant distances, and in various environments. For example, a mobile device may be used within indoor environments, as well as outdoors. A first environment may have a first temperature, and a second environment may have a second temperature, higher than the first (or vice versa).

After use at a lower first temperature (e.g., outdoors on a cold day), the device may be moved, in use (or used subsequently), indoors into the warmer second temperature. Optical windows disposed over components of the device, such as display screens, scanners, and/or cameras, may fog over or frost over in such a circumstance obscuring the display or rendering a scanner or camera unusable. During the persistence of such fogging or frosting effects, the usefulness of the mobile device may be diminished. To prevent or ameliorate this effect, some mobile devices incorporate heater or other energy transfer elements to remove or prevent fog or frosting.

Like the other components of the mobile device, the heater elements are energized by the on-board battery. While they are energized, the heater elements may consume significant amounts of power from the battery at a high rate. Thus, the operation of the heater elements may reduce the duration of a battery charge (“runtime”) and the amount of time until the next recharge. Increased peak power usage may also cause a premature shut down of the mobile device before the battery has been fully discharged.

It could be useful therefore, to promote the extension of the mobility characteristics of mobile devices in general, and more particularly, in relation to energy efficiency and operational features that may promote the range and spectrum of environments in which they may be used. It could also be useful to reduce the effect of mobile device heater element operation on the duration of a battery charge. It could be useful, further, to increase the efficiency of the operations of mobile device heater elements and other power consuming circuits in the mobile device that can be set to a lower power state or selectively disabled.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, example embodiments of the present invention relate to promoting the extension of the mobility characteristics of mobile devices in general, and more particularly, in relation to energy efficiency and operational features that may enhance the range and spectrum of environments in which they may be used. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to reducing the effect of mobile device heater element operation on the duration of a battery charge. An example embodiment of the present invention relates, further, to increasing the efficiency of the operations of mobile device heater elements and other power consuming circuits.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device. An environmental characteristic is monitored over at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable. A location of the mobile device is tracked in relation to the at least two environments. The mobile device is informed, based on the tracking. The mobile device is informed with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located.

In certain example embodiments, a characteristic of the mobile device may be sensed, as well. The data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, is compared to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device. An action is determined in relation to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic. The at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device is controlled, based on the determined action.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobile device, which is operable according to the energy management method, described herein.

Another example embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The storage medium may be a component of the mobile device. The storage medium stores instructions, which upon execution by a processor, e.g., of the mobile device, are operable for causing, controlling, or programming the processor to perform the energy management method, described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention relates to various network platforms. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to an energy management system. The energy management system is operable, over at least one of the various network platforms, for controlling the mobile device in relation to an energy-using operation.

In one example embodiment, a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device, involves: monitoring at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable; tracking a location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments; informing the mobile device, based on the tracking, with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located; sensing a characteristic of the mobile device; comparing the data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device; determining an action related to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic; and controlling the at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the determined action.

In certain example embodiments, the mobile device has at least one component, and the controlled operation involves changing an operating state of the at least one mobile device component. In certain example embodiments, the mobile device component is a heater element, and the controlled operation involves changing an operating state of the heater element between one or more of: an energized state and a deenergized state; a deenergized state and an energized state; or a partially energized state. In certain example embodiments, the monitored at least one environmental characteristic is one or more of: a temperature; a humidity level; a relative humidity; or a dew point. In certain example embodiments, sensing the characteristic of the mobile device includes measuring a temperature of the mobile device. In certain example embodiments, determining an action involves computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored at least one environmental characteristic. In certain example embodiments, the method further involves energizing the heater element upon the computed dew point at least meeting a programmed value. In certain example embodiments, the at least meeting the programmed value comprises one or more of meeting or exceeding the programmed value. In certain example embodiments, the method further includes de-energizing the heater element upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point. In certain example embodiments, the monitoring is performed continuously, repeatedly, or periodically; and the tracking of the location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments involves: determining a position of the mobile device within a first of the at least two environments; and detecting a change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments; and the method further involves: upon the detecting the change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments, repeating, in relation to the at least second of the two environments, the informing, the sensing, the comparing, the determining, and the controlling.

In another example embodiment a mobile device is operable for managing energy usage. The mobile device includes an energy-using component. A processor is operable for controlling an operation of the energy-using component by: monitoring at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable; tracking a location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments; informing the mobile device, based on the tracking, with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located; sensing a characteristic of the mobile device; comparing the data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device; determining an action related to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic; and controlling the at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the determined action.

In certain example embodiments, the energy-using component comprises a heater element, and the controlled operation comprises changing an operating state of the heater element between one or more of: an energized state and a deenergized state; a deenergized state and an energized state; or a partially energized state. In certain example embodiments, the monitored at least one environmental characteristic is one or more of: a temperature; a humidity; a relative humidity; or a dew point. In certain example embodiments, a sensor is operable for measuring a temperature of the mobile device. In certain example embodiments, the determining of the action involves computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored at least one environmental characteristic. In certain example embodiments, the device further has at least one network interface operable for exchanging data signals with the processor, and with a network, the data signals relating to one or more of: the monitoring of at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable; the tracking of the location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments; or the informing of the mobile device with the data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located.

In certain example embodiments, the mobile device further has a case disposed about and encasing a plurality of components of the mobile device; and an optically transparent window disposed within the case; where the energy-using component is operable for deterring one or more of a fog condensation or a frost deposit upon the optically transparent window.

In another example embodiment, a system for managing a usage of energy has a network operable for communicating data signals. A first sensor is disposed in a first environment, the first environment having an associated first characteristic, the first sensor operable for sensing the first characteristic, and for communicating data signals relating thereto over the network. A second sensor is disposed in at least a second environment, the at least second environment having an associated second characteristic, which is independent in relation to the first characteristic, the second sensor operable for sensing the second characteristic, and for communicating data signals relating thereto over the network. At least one mobile device is operable in the first and the at least second environments, and for communicating data signals over the network in relation to the sensed first characteristic, and the sensed second characteristic, the mobile device includes: an energy-using component and a processor operable for controlling an operation of the energy-using component by: monitoring at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable; tracking a location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments; informing the mobile device, based on the tracking, with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located; sensing a characteristic of the mobile device; comparing the data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device; determining an action related to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic; and controlling the at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the determined action.

In certain example embodiments, the energy-using component comprises a heater element, and the controlled operation comprises changing an operating state of the heater element between one or more of: an energized state and a deenergized state; a deenergized state and an energized state; or a partially energized state. In certain example embodiments, the changing of the operating state of the heater element is performed based on a dew point computation performed in relation to the comparing of the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

In another example embodiment, a method of controlling fog or frost on a mobile device involves: providing a programmed processor, one or more sensors and an energy transfer element that when activated removes fog or frost within the mobile device; the processor reading the one or more sensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frost condition; the processor, upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating the energy transfer element to remove fog or frost; and the processor, upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition, deactivating the energy transfer element.

In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor, and the processor determines that there is a fog or frost condition if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over a prescribed period of time. In certain example embodiments, the processor determines that a fog or frost condition has passed when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear In certain example embodiments, the value of ΔT is adjustable. In certain example embodiments, the temperature sensor measures a temperature of a window covering a display or an imaging optics system. In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors can include a sensor that directly examines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presence of fog or frost. In certain example embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor, and the processor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis of an image captured by the optical sensor. In certain example embodiments, the sensor comprises an ultrasound sensor, and where the processor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis of ultrasound signals that change in the presence of fog or frost. In certain example embodiments, activating the energy transfer element comprises activating the heater element by less than 100%.

In another example embodiment, a mobile device has one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of fog or frost on a surface of the mobile device. A battery provides power to the mobile device. An energy transfer element which, when activated, removes fog or frost from the surface of the mobile device is provided. A programmed processor, within the mobile device, is programmed to: read one or more sensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is a fog or frost condition; upon detecting a fog or frost condition, activating the heater element to remove fog or frost; and upon detecting an absence of the fog or frost condition, deactivating the energy transfer element.

In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors includes a temperature sensor, and the processor determines that there is a fog or frost condition if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over a prescribed period of time. In certain example embodiments, the processor determines that a fog or frost condition has passed when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear. In certain example embodiments, the value of ΔT is user adjustable. In certain example embodiments, the temperature sensor measures a temperature of a window covering a display or an imaging optics system. In certain example embodiments, the one or more sensors can include a sensor that directly examines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presence of fog or frost. In certain example embodiments, the sensor can include an optical sensor, and where the processor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis of an image captured by the optical sensor. In certain example embodiments, the sensor can include an ultrasound sensor, and where the processor determines that fog or frost is present by analysis of ultrasound signals that change in the presence of fog or frost. In certain example embodiments, the energy transfer element comprises a heater element and where activating the energy transfer element includes activating the heater element by less than 100%. In certain example embodiments, activation of the energy transfer element is determined by a state of the battery. In certain example embodiments, the surface comprises at least one of a window covering a display of the mobile device, or a window covering an imager of the mobile device.

In another example embodiment, a method of managing power in a battery powered mobile device involves: determining a current state of the battery by measuring a parameter indicative of the current state of the battery; calculating a battery power factor as a function of the parameter; comparing the battery power factor to a threshold; when the battery power factor exceeds the threshold, identifying a system or process within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced; and reducing the power consumption by altering or disabling the system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the identifying is carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowest priority system or process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state as the identified system or process. In certain example embodiments, the determining comprises measuring a battery temperature, battery terminal voltage, and battery current draw. In certain example embodiments, the battery power factor is calculated by: assigning a value to each of the current state of the battery temperature as T; assigning a value to the terminal voltage as V; assigning a value to the current draw as I; and computing the battery power factor as the sum of T, V and I. In certain example embodiments, the identified system or process comprises a heater element, and where the power consumption is reduced by either deactivating the heater element or causing the heater element to operate at less than 100% heat generation. In certain example embodiments, the method further involves repeating the determining, calculating, and comparing; identifying a further system or process within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced; and further reducing the power consumption by altering or disabling the further system or process.

In certain example embodiments, identifying a system and identifying a further system are carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowest priority system or process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state as the identified system or process and further identified system or process. In certain example embodiments, the method further involves determining that the current battery factor is lower than a prior battery factor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that the current battery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by the prescribed amount, selecting a system or process for restoration to a higher power consumption state; and restoring the system or process to a higher power consumption state. In certain example embodiments, the selecting is carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a higher priority system or process that can be converted to a higher power consumption state as the selected system or process.

In another example embodiment, a battery powered mobile device has a battery and a battery monitoring circuit that measures one or more parameters indicative of a current state of the battery. A plurality of operational systems and processes form a part of the mobile device. A programmed processor is programmed to carry out a process that involves: determining a current state of the battery by receiving data representing the one or more parameters from the battery monitoring circuit indicative of the current state of the battery; calculating a battery power factor as a function of the parameter; comparing the battery power factor to a threshold; when the battery power factor exceeds the threshold, identifying a system or process within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced; and reducing the power consumption by altering or disabling the identified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the identifying is carried out by the processor on the basis of an assigned priority of the plurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowest priority system or process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state as the identified system or process. In certain example embodiments, the determining is carried out by the processor on the basis of a battery temperature, battery terminal voltage, and battery current draw as measured by the battery monitor circuit. In certain example embodiments, the processor calculates the battery power factor by: assigning a value to each of the current state of the battery temperature as T; assigning a value to the terminal voltage as V; assigning a value to the current draw as I; and computing the battery power factor as the sum of T, V and I. In certain example embodiments, the identified system or process is a heater element, and where the processor reduces the power consumption by either deactivating the heater element or causing the heater element to operate at less than 100% heat generation.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to: repeat the determining, calculating, and comparing; identify a further system or process within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced; and further reduce the power consumption by altering or disabling the further system or process. In certain example embodiments, identifying a system or process and identifying a further system or process are carried out by the processor on the basis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a lowest priority system or process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state as the identified system or process and further identified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to: determine that the current battery factor is lower than a prior battery factor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that the current battery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by the prescribed amount, select a system or process for restoration to a higher power consumption state; and restore the selected system or process to a higher power consumption state. In certain example embodiments, the selecting is carried out on the basis of an assigned priority of a plurality of systems or processes and selecting a higher priority system or process that can be converted to a higher power consumption state as the selected system or process.

In a further example embodiment, a battery powered mobile device has a battery and a battery monitoring circuit that measures battery temperature, battery terminal voltage and battery current draw as an indication of a current state of the battery. A plurality of operational systems and processes form a part of the mobile device. A stored priority table tabulates an assigned priority of the plurality of systems or processes that can be converted to a lower power consumption state as the identified system or process. A programmed processor is programmed to carry out a process comprising: determining a current state of the battery by receiving data representing the battery temperature, battery terminal voltage and battery current draw; calculating a battery power factor by assigning a value to the current state of the battery temperature as T, assigning a value to the terminal voltage as V, assigning a value to the current draw as I, and computing the battery power factor as the sum of T, V and I; comparing the battery power factor to a threshold; when the battery power factor exceeds the threshold, identifying a system or process within the mobile device whose power consumption can be reduced by reference to the priority table and selecting the lowest priority system or process that can be converted to a lower power consumption state; and reducing the power consumption by altering or disabling the identified system or process.

In certain example embodiments, the processor is further programmed to: determine that the current battery factor is lower than a prior battery factor by a prescribed amount; and upon determining that the current battery factor is lower than the prior battery factor by the prescribed amount, select a system or process that is operating in a lower power state or disabled for restoration to a higher power consumption state; where the selecting is carried out by referring to the priority table and selecting a highest priority system or process that can be converted to a higher power consumption state as the selected system or process; and restore the selected highest priority system or process to the higher power consumption state.

The foregoing summary is presented by way of example and illustration, and is not to be construed as limiting or restrictive in any sense. The foregoing summary presents a conceptual prelude in relation to some example features, functions, aspects and/or elements of embodiments of the present invention, and the manner in which the same may be implemented or accomplished, which are further explained within the following more detailed description of example embodiments and each figure (“FIG.”) of the accompanying drawings referred to therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a first example view of a mobile device, according to an embodiment consistent with certain examples of the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a second example view of the mobile device, according to an embodiment consistent with certain examples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an example arrangement of various environments in which the mobile device may be operated, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart for an example control process for managing energy usage by the mobile device, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts example components of the mobile device, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an example network platform, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an example network platform, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an example network platform, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts example components of the mobile device, according to certain embodiments consistent with examples of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an example flow chart of a process consistent with certain example embodiments consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is another example flow chart of a process consistent with certain example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example flow of a process consistent with certain example embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention are described in relation to methods, mobile devices, and systems for managing energy usage by a mobile device.

In certain example embodiments, an environmental characteristic is monitored over environments in which the mobile device is operable. A location of the mobile device is tracked in relation to the environments. The mobile device is informed with data relating to the environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device location is tracked. A characteristic of the mobile device is sensed. The data, related to the environmental characteristic of the tracked location, is compared to the sensed mobile device characteristic. An action is determined related to the energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparison. The energy-using operation of the mobile device is controlled, based on the determined action. Example embodiments of the present invention are also described in relation to non-transitory computer-readable storage media, and various network platforms.

When hand held computers, such as mobile devices, travel from a cool environment to a warm environment the display screen/scanner windows may fog and/or frost over. Energy transfer elements such as heater elements within a mobile device may be turned on whenever the mobile device goes into a cold environment to prevent the windows from fogging or frosting over, but this uses battery power somewhat indiscriminately, and reduce operational run times. Example embodiments of the present invention turn on the heater elements controllably, under conditions where a local dew point may be approached. Certain example embodiments use battery power controllably and under most conditions, may extend battery charges and time between charges, and associated operational run times, while deterring the fogging and/or frosting of the windows.

In certain example embodiments, environment sensors are placed that broadcast the current temperature and humidity levels of a location in which the mobile device is tracked.

In certain example embodiments, environmental data can be downloaded that constitute a local weather report.

In certain example embodiments, the information is transmitted directly to the handheld device via a low power RF signal, such as like Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), or via an Internet of Things (IOT).

In certain example embodiments consistent with the present invention, the sensor information is obtained by the mobile device using a network associated with a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure. The information is sent via the HVAC network infrastructure (e.g., over a network associated therewith) to the mobile device or other handheld computer based on its location at the time.

Information can be obtained by the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system which is instructing the user to move from one environment to the other.

The information is processed by the mobile device and used to compute the dew point temperature. The mobile device compares the dew point temperature to the case temperature and determines, accordingly, whether energizing the heater may be appropriate. Thus, example embodiments of the present invention are operable for deterring the accumulation of fog and/or frost on windows of the mobile device, while efficiently managing power usage and extending operational run time.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device. An environmental characteristic is monitored over at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable. A location of the mobile device is tracked in relation to the at least two environments. The mobile device is informed, based on the tracking. The mobile device is informed with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located. A characteristic of the mobile device is sensed. The data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, is compared to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device. An action is determined in relation to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic. The at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device is controlled, based on the determined action.

The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of at least one component of the mobile device. The mobile device component may incorporate a heater element. The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of the heater element between an energized state and a deenergized state, or vice versa.

The monitored environmental characteristic may be, for example, an ambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relative humidity value, and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one or more of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or the computed relative humidity value.

The sensing of the characteristic of the mobile device may measure a temperature of the mobile device. The determining of the action may involve computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored environmental characteristic. The heater element may be energized upon the computed dew point at least meeting and/or exceeding a programmed value. The heater element may be deenergized upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point.

The monitoring of the environmental characteristic may be performed continuously, repeatedly, or periodically. The tracking of the location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments may involve determining a position of the mobile device within a first of the at least two environments, and detecting a change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments. The method may further include, upon the detecting the change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments, repeating, in relation to the at least second of the two environments, the informing, the sensing, the comparing, the determining, and the controlling.

Another example embodiment consistent with the present invention relates to a mobile device operable for managing energy usage. The mobile device has an energy-using component. An operation of the energy-using component is controlled by a processor. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions readable by the processor. The instructions are operable for causing, controlling, or programming the processor to perform a method related to the managing of the energy usage, the method may relate to any of the methods described herein.

The energy-using component of the mobile device may be a heater element. The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of the heater element from an energized state to a deenergized state, or vice versa, from a deenergized state to an energized state. The changing of the operating state of the heater element may be based (at least partially) on the comparison of the monitored environmental characteristic to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

The monitored at least one environmental characteristic may be an ambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relative humidity value and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one or more of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or the computed relative humidity value.

The mobile device may further include a sensor operable for measuring a temperature or other environmental condition of the mobile device. The sensed characteristic may be a temperature of the mobile device in one embodiment. For example, the sensed mobile device characteristic may be the temperature of the surface of the mobile device case, or the internal space of the mobile device within the case, in which electronic components of the mobile device are disposed. The determining of the action may involve computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored at least one environmental characteristic.

The mobile device further includes at least one network interface operable for exchanging data signals with the processor, and with a network. The data signals relate to the monitoring of at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable, the tracking of the location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments, and/or the informing of the mobile device with the data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located.

The case of the mobile device is disposed about a plurality of, components (e.g., electronic components), which are encased therein, e.g., protectively from environmental conditions and elements in the location in which the mobile device is disposed and/or operated. The mobile device may also include one or more optically transparent window disposed within the case. The energy-using component of certain embodiments is operable for deterring one or more of a fog condensation or a frost deposit upon the optically transparent window. Optics disposed within the case and beneath the windows may thus be maintained clear of fog and/or frost during operations of the mobile device. The mobile device may also include an image sensor such as a video graphics array (VGA), as well as a camera and/or a scanner. The operations of the heater promote undeterred operations of the image sensor, the camera, or the scanner, by deterring the accumulation of fog and/or frost on an outer surface of the windows.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system, operable over a network platform, for managing energy usage by a mobile device. Example embodiments of the present invention relate to various network platforms, over which a system is operable for managing a usage of energy by a mobile device. The example system may include a network operable for communicating data signals. Example embodiments may be implemented in which the network is implemented as a Bluetooth™ or Bluetooth Low Energy™ (BTLE) related network, a network related to a HVAC system, and/or an Internet-of-Things (IOT) related internetwork.

A first sensor is disposed in a first environment. The first environment has an associated first characteristic, such as an ambient temperature. The first sensor is operable for sensing the first characteristic, and for communicating data signals relating thereto over the network. A second sensor is disposed in at least a second environment. The at least second environment has an associated second characteristic, such as an ambient temperature. The second sensor is operable for sensing the second characteristic, and for communicating data signals relating thereto over the network.

The characteristic of the at least second environment is independent in relation to the characteristic of the at least second environment. Thus, the ambient temperature characteristic of the second environment may equal or exceed the ambient temperature of the first environment. The ambient temperature characteristic of the first environment may, alternatively, exceed the ambient temperature of the first environment.

At least one mobile device is operable in the first environment, as well as in the at least second environment, for communicating data signals over the network in relation to the sensed first characteristic, and the sensed second characteristic. The mobile device has an energy-using component, such as a heater. The heater component is operable under a control of a processor. The processor is operable for controlling an operation of the energy-using component.

In certain embodiments, the mobile device has at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as memory, and/or storage components. The non-transitory computer-readable storage media stores instructions readable by the processor and operable for causing, controlling, or programming the processor to perform any of the methods related to the managing of the energy usage as described herein.

FIG. 1A depicts a first example view ‘A’ of a mobile device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 may include a portable data terminal (PDT), a hand held computer such as a “smart phone” or other cellular radiotelephone configuration, a tablet style computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable terminal, etc. The mobile device 100 may include other portable computers, such as laptop style computers, or computers configured as another readily portable configuration.

The mobile device 100 is housed in a case 103, which encloses and encases a plurality of electronic components disposed within the case 103. The mobile device 100 has a display 101, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, operable for rendering visible information over a surface of a viewing screen of the LCD. The surface of the viewing screen of the LCD 101 may be covered by an optically transparent window 102, which is disposed within the case 103. The LCD 101 may also operate as a touchpad.

The first view of FIG. 1A may correspond to a presentation of a “front” of the mobile device 100. FIG. 1B depicts a second example view ‘B’ of the mobile device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second view of FIG. 1B may correspond to a presentation of a “rear” of the mobile device 100, which is disposed opposite to the front. The mobile device 100 may have an array of passive optics 105, such as a lens or optical stack of lenses.

The passive optics array 105 functions to gather light in relation to operations of the mobile device 100. Such functions may include scanning of graphic media targets, photography, and/or videography, which are associated with capturing visual information from the gathered light. The surface of the passive optics 105 is covered by an optically transparent window 106, which is disposed within the case 103.

FIG. 2 depicts an example operational platform 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 is operable over locations disposed throughout a plurality of environments, which have at least a first environment and at least a second environment. The first environment in this example is shown disposed within a spatial envelope 210. The at least second environment is disposed within a second spatial envelope 220. For example, the second environment disposed within the corresponding envelope 220 may include an indoor operational environment of the mobile device 100. The first environment disposed within the corresponding envelope 210, and outside of the envelope 220 may include an outdoor operational milieu of the mobile device 100.

For purposes of example and illustration, the second environment and corresponding spatial envelope 220 is shown in FIG. 2 as disposed within the first environment and corresponding spatial envelope 210. It should be understood, however, that this depicted example illustration is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any way. On the contrary, it should be understood that example embodiments may relate to the second environment disposed within, overlapping partially with, or be disposed outside of the first environment.

The location of the mobile device 100 may be tracked, e.g., using operations related to a geopositioning mechanism. The tracking of the location of the mobile device 100 involves determining a position thereof in relation to the first environment, and/or the second environment. Any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, GPS positioning and other location positioning using WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or other signal strength metrics and triangulation can be used to establish the location of mobile device 100 with respect to the two or more environments.

The example mobile device 100 is operable for exchanging data signals over one or more networks 230. A location tracking computer 233 is operable for exchanging data signals over the network(s) (“network”) 230. The tracking of the location of the mobile device 100 may involve exchanging signals with the location tracking computer 233 over the network 230.

A sensor 211 is disposed within the first environment. The sensor 211 is operable for sensing a characteristic, such as an ambient temperature of the first environment, and for exchanging corresponding data signals over the network 230 with an environmental monitoring and/or control computer 235. A sensor 212 is disposed within the second environment. The sensor 212 is operable for sensing a characteristic of the second environment, and for exchanging corresponding data signals over the network 230 with the environmental monitoring/control computer 235.

In one embodiment the local server 235 may download the local weather report from the Internet or other source of local weather in order to obtain environmental information related to one of the environments (e.g., if one environment is outdoors). This weather will include data for the current dew point, or will include data from which a current dew point can be determined. This dew point number can be used sent to the mobile device 100 network 230. The device temperature as measured by the device can then be used to determine if the dew point has been crossed and this data used to turn on the heater.

As the mobile device 100 operates within the first environment, its location therein is tracked and it is informed with data related to operations of the sensor 211. Location changes corresponding to movement of the mobile device 100 are tracked, including movement between a first position within the first environment, and a subsequent position within the second environment (and/or vice versa). As the mobile device 100 operates within the second environment, its location therein is tracked and it is informed with data related to operations of the sensor 212. Example embodiments may be implemented in which the informing of the mobile device 100 in relation to the sensors is provided with data signals communicated over the network 230 from the monitoring/control computer 235, or from the sensors themselves.

For example, the network 230 may be operable for exchanging signals with the sensors over a radio frequency (RF) channel. The channel may be, for example, a Bluetooth channel, operable within an ‘Instrumentation, Scientific and Medical’ (ISM) band of the RF spectrum from approximately 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) to approx. 2.485 GHz, inclusive. The Bluetooth channel may be operable using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), which may also be referred to as “Bluetooth Smart.”

The network 230 may also include a portion of an ‘Internet of Things’ (IOT) related internetwork. The example mobile device 100 may be operable for exchanging the environmentally related data signals with each of the sensor 211 and the sensor 222 “directly” (e.g., independent of the monitoring/control computer 235) over the network 230, via the BTLE channel and/or the IOT “net.”

The mobile device 100 is operable for sensing a characteristic, such as its own temperature on or within the case 103. The mobile device 100 performs operations such as energizing or de-energizing a heater 144 disposed within or about the case 103. The energy-using operation may be performed upon computing that its sensed condition, relative to the environmental characteristics of its location, may result in reduced optical clarity and/or transparency of the window 102 and/or the window 106.

For example, the ambient temperature of the first environment (e.g., outdoors) may be significantly lower than the ambient temperature of the second environment (e.g., indoors). As the mobile device 100 is used in the first environment, its own temperature assumes, or at least approaches the relatively cool ambient temperature of the first environment. The location of the mobile device 100 is tracked as it moves from the first environment indoors, into the relatively warmer second environment.

The mobile device 100 is informed as to the warmer temperature of the second environment, yet the cooler temperature sensed in relation to its case (or the space enclosed therewith) may persist for a duration of time before it warms up to the ambient temperature of the second environment. During this time, a dew point associated with the temperature of the case 103, relative to the warmer ambient temperature of the second environment, may be reached or exceeded.

The mobile device 100 may thus energize the heater, which heats the window 102 and/or the window 106. The heating of the windows 102 and 106 deters formation of fog or frost accumulation on the surface of windows to promote continued clear transparency thereof. Moreover, the heaters are maintained in a deenergized state until the local dew point is reached or exceeded. The energized heaters may also be deenergized, upon the local characteristics changing to conditions below those corresponding to reaching the dew point.

Embodiments of the present invention thus function to manage the energy usage of the mobile device 100, in which the consumption of battery power by the heaters is minimized, the duration of a given battery charge is extended, along with the corresponding time until a recharge becomes appropriate. Example embodiments of the present invention thus relate to a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device.

An example embodiment of the present invention further relates to a method for managing energy usage by a mobile device. FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart for an example process 30 for displaying an image, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At 31, an environmental characteristic is monitored over at least two environments in which the mobile device is operable.

At 32, a location of the mobile device is tracked in relation to the at least two environments.

At 33, the mobile device is informed, based on the tracking. The mobile device is informed with data relating to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located.

At 34, a characteristic of the mobile device is sensed.

The data, related to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device is located, are compared, at 35, to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

At 36, an action is determined in relation to at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device based on the comparing of the environmental characteristic data to the sensed mobile device characteristic.

At 37, the at least one energy-using operation of the mobile device is controlled, based on the determined action.

The controlled operation 37 relates to changing an operating state of at least one component of the mobile device. The example mobile device component may include a heater element 144. The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of the heater element between an energized state and a deenergized state, or vice versa, or alternatively a variable level of heating somewhere between energized and deenergized.

The monitored environmental characteristic 31 may be an ambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relative humidity value, and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one or more of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or the computed relative humidity value.

The sensing 34 of the characteristic of the mobile device may include measuring a temperature of the mobile device. The determining of the action 36 may include computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device characteristic and the monitored environmental characteristic. The heater element may be energized upon the computed dew point at least meeting and/or exceeding a programmed value. The heater element may be deenergized upon the programmed value exceeding the computed dew point.

The monitoring 31 of the environmental characteristic may be performed continuously, repeatedly, or periodically. The tracking 32 of the location of the mobile device in relation to the at least two environments may include determining a position of the mobile device within a first of the at least two environments, and detecting a change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments. The method 30 further involves, upon the detecting the change in the position of the mobile device from within the first, to the at least second of the two environments, repeating, in relation to the at least second of the two environments, the informing 33, the sensing 34, the comparing 35, the determining 36, and the controlling 37.

The energy management method 30 may include a process performed in relation to operations associated with a mobile device. Example embodiments may thus relate to mobile devices operable for managing energy usage.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to the mobile device 100. FIG. 4 depicts example components of the mobile device 100, according to an embodiment consistent with the present invention.

The mobile device 100 is operable for managing energy usage. The mobile device 100 includes an energy-using component, such as a heater element 144 or other element that deters or removes fog or frost. An operation of the energy-using component 144 is controlled by one or more processors 111. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions readable by the processor(s) 111.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be realized as one or more memories 112 and/or storage components 113. The memories (“memory”) 112 may include dynamic memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 112 may also include static memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory 112 may also include memory cells, caches, buffers, latches, and/or registers, operable with the processor(s) 111.

The storage component(s) 113 may include an electromagnetic disk drive, optical disk media, and/or electronic ‘flash’ media or the like. Temporary or “virtual” memory may be operable with the disk drives and/or flash media. The non-transitory computer-readable storage media stores instructions and/or data readable by the processor, and operable for causing, controlling, or programming the processor to perform a process related to the managing of the energy usage. The energy management method may relate to the method 30, described herein (FIG. 3). An example embodiment of the present invention relates to the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing the instructions.

The energy-using component 144 of the mobile device 100 may be a heater element. The controlled operation relates to changing an operating state of the heater element from an energized state to a deenergized state, or vice versa, from a deenergized state to an energized state. The changing of the operating state of the heater element may be based (at least partially) on the comparison of the monitored environmental characteristic to the sensed characteristic of the mobile device.

The monitored at least one environmental characteristic may be an ambient temperature, a measured humidity level, a computed relative humidity value and/or a local dew point computed in relation to one or more of the ambient temperature, measured humidity level, or the computed relative humidity value.

The mobile device 100 may also include a sensor 119. The sensor 119 is operable for measuring a temperature of the mobile device in accord with the current example embodiment (but element 119 can represent any configuration of one or more sensors consistent with the present teachings). The sensed characteristic in this example may be a temperature of the mobile device. For example, the sensed mobile device 100 characteristic may be the temperature of the surface of the mobile device case 103, or the internal space of the mobile device within the case 103, in which electronic components of the mobile device 100 are disposed. The determining of the action may include computing a dew point based on the sensed mobile device 100 characteristic and the monitored at least one environmental characteristic.

The mobile device 100 may further include one or more network interfaces 118. The network interface(s) is (are) operable for exchanging data signals with the processor 111, and with a network (e.g., network 230; FIG. 2). The data signals relate to the monitoring of at least one environmental characteristic of at least two environments in which the mobile device 100 is operable.

The mobile device 100 also includes a positioning component (“positioner”) 117. The positioner 117 is operable in relation to the tracking of the location of the mobile device 100 in relation to the at least two environments. The tracking of the mobile device 100 location may relate to a geopositioning operation. The geopositioning operation may relate to computing the location based on exchanging location related signals with a geopositioning satellite constellation, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, or the like, and/or with known geostationary radio signal sources, such as cellular telephone towers, and the like. The network interface 118 is operable, further, in relation to the exchange of the locational data signals with the network.

The network interface 118 is operable, further, for exchanging signals with the network in relation to the at least one environmental characteristic of the environment in which the mobile device 100 is located.

The case 103 of the mobile device 100 is disposed about a plurality of, components (e.g., electronic components), which are encased therein, e.g., protectively from environmental conditions and elements in the location in which the mobile device 100 is disposed and/or operated. The mobile device 100 has a data bus 110, operable for exchanging data signals between the electronic components.

A sensor component 119 is coupled to the bus 110 and operable for providing data signals corresponding to a characteristic, such as the local temperature, of the mobile device, e.g., within the case 103, or on at least a portion of a surface thereof.

The example mobile device 100 further includes a display 101. In certain embodiments, the display 101 serves as both a display and a touch panel for accepting user input. An example embodiment may be implemented in which the display 101 may be realized as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, operable for rendering visible information over a surface of a viewing screen of the LCD. The visible information may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 133. The GUI 133 may be operable for the rendering of the visual information interactively, and for receiving haptically entered user inputs entered therewith. The surface of the viewing screen of the LCD 101 is covered, transparently, with the optically transparent window 102.

The example mobile device 100 incorporates an array of passive optics such as 105 of FIG. 1B. The passive optics 105 may be a lens, or optical stack of a plurality of lenses and other passive optical components or protective transparent window. The passive optics array 105 functions to gather light in relation to operations of the mobile device 100. Such functions may include scanning of graphic media targets, photography, and/or videography, which are associated with capturing visual information from the gathered light. The surface of the passive optics 105 is covered by the optically transparent window 106.

The light gathered by the passive optics 105 may be supplied, optically, to an imaging component (“imager”) 116. The imager 116 may include an array of optoelectronic devices. The active optoelectronic devices may include an array of photosensitive devices (photosensors) operable for detecting an image. The photosensors may include a charge coupled device (CCD), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), photodiode (PD), charge-injection device (CID), charge modulation device (CMD), P-channel or N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) device, or an array of the devices, such as a video graphics array (VGA). The devices of the array may include a plurality (“two or more”) of the CCD, CMOS, PD, CID, CMD, P-channel MOSFET (PMOS), or N-channel MOSFET (NMOS) devices.

Image data generated by the imager 116 in response to the gathered light may be supplied, over the data bus 110, to a camera 115. The camera 115 is operable in relation to the photography, and/or videography operations of the mobile device 100.

Image data generated by the imager 116 in response to the gathered light may be supplied, over the data bus 110, to a scanner 114. The camera 115 and the scanner 114 may be operable in relation to scanning operations carried out by the mobile device 100. For example, the scanner 114 may be operable for reading data associated with graphic scan targets. The graphic scan targets may include, for example, one dimensional (1D) bar codes, and/or two or three dimensional (2D) graphic data patterns, such as Han Xin codes and ‘Quick Response’ (QR) codes.

The heater or other energy-using component 144 is operable for deterring one or more of a fog condensation or a frost deposit upon the optically transparent window 102 and the window 106. Optics disposed within the case and beneath the windows may thus be maintained clear of fog and/or frost during operations of the mobile device. The operations of the mobile device 100 in relation to the operation of the imager 116, the camera 115, and/or scanner 114 may thus proceed, undeterred, in either environment. The operations of the heater 144 promote undeterred operations of the image sensor, the camera, and the scanner, by deterring the accumulation of fog and/or frost on an outer surface of the windows 102 and 106.

The electronic components of the mobile device 100, and the, e.g., electrical, energy-using component 144 are energized by a battery 145. The battery 145 is an electrochemically operable source of electrical power to energize the mobile device 100 components. The battery 145 may be charged and re-charged from an external source of electrical power, such as a battery charger, via a charging port 149. The charging port 149 may be operable for connecting the battery 145 to the battery charger by wireline based conductors, or wirelessly from inductive and/or capacitive charging sources.

Embodiments consistent with the present invention function to manage the energy usage of the mobile device 100, in which the consumption of power from the battery 145 by the heaters 145 is minimized, the duration of a given charge of the battery 145 is extended, along with the corresponding time until a recharge becomes appropriate. Example embodiments of the present invention thus relate to methods for managing energy usage by the mobile device 100.

In an example embodiment, the mobile device 100 includes a controller 141. The controller 141 is operable for exchanging data signals with the processor 111 via the data bus 110. The signals exchanged between the controller 141 and the processor 141 relate to the controlling of the energy-using component 144.

The mobile device may further incorporate a switch component 142 or other control component. Based on the signals exchanged with the processor 111, the controller 141 is operable for changing a conductivity state of the switch 142. For example, the controller 141 may triggering the switch 142 to change from a non-conductive state to a high-conductance state, and thus allow power to flow from the batter 145 to the energy-using component 142. The controller 141 may also (or alternatively) cause the switch 142 to change from a high conductance state to a non-conducting state, thus stopping or impeding the flow of power from the battery 145 to the energy-using component 144. In other example embodiments, the element 142 may also vary the current to heater 144 by modulating, current limiting or otherwise reducing the average current supplied to the energy-using component 144. An example embodiment may be implemented in which the switch 142 is implemented as an array of power MOSFET devices, triggered controllably by the controller 141.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system, operable over a network platform, for managing energy usage by a mobile device. Example embodiments of the present invention relate to various network platforms, over which a system is operable for managing a usage of energy by a mobile device. The system includes a network operable for communicating data signals. Example embodiments may be implemented in which the network is a BTLE related network, a network related to a HVAC system, and/or an IOT related internetwork.

FIG. 5 depicts an example network platform 50, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 211 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the first environment, within the corresponding envelope 210. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 222 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the second environment, within the corresponding envelope 220.

Upon the example network platform 50, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 211, directly, over the BTLE channel 51. Upon the example network platform 50, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 222, directly, over the BTLE channel 52.

FIG. 6 depicts an example network platform 60, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 211 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the first environment, within the corresponding envelope 210. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 222 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the second environment, within the corresponding envelope 220.

Upon the example network platform 60, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 211, via a control server 615, associated with a first HVAC sub-network (“subnet”) 61. Upon the example network platform 60, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 222, via a control server 625, associated with a second HVAC subnet 62. The subnet 61 and the subnet 62 may include portions of the network 230 (FIG. 2), the Internet, etc.

FIG. 7 depicts an example network platform 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network platform 70 includes the IOT 77. The example mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 211 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the first environment, within the corresponding envelope 210. Upon the example network platform 70, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 211 over the IOT 77. The mobile device 100 receives data signals from the sensor 222 in relation to the environmental characteristic of the second environment, within the corresponding envelope 220. Upon the example network platform 70, the mobile device 100 receives the data signals from the sensor 222 over the IOT 77. The IOT may include a portion of the network 230 (FIG. 2), the Internet, etc.

In the embodiments described above, environmental and location data are used to determine that the example mobile device 100 is situated in an environment in which fogging or frosting may occur. This information is then used to control a heater so as to address this potential for fogging or frosting.

In another example embodiment the sensor(s) 119, rather than or in addition to being a temperature sensor for example, may include a fog/frost sensor that detects actual fogging or frosting of components associated with the display 101 or other components. In one example, a change in temperature may be used to deduce that there is a likelihood of fog or frost on a surface (e.g., the display window), while in another example sensors 119 detect the actual presence of fog or frost. In this embodiment ambient environmental information as well as available power capabilities may be used to control the heater elements. This intelligent control maximizes run time while addressing fogging and frosting in these environments.

In one example embodiment, the system utilizes thermal monitoring of the screen window 102 and/or imager window 106 to recognize when a cold to warm transition has occurred. One embodiment of this temperature monitor utilizes an infrared (IR) temp sensor monitoring the cover glass of the display for example. In another embodiment the sensor could be an optical or ultrasound sensor to determined fog or frost has formed on the surface. The heater elements can then be used selectively to assure minimal power consumption.

The processor may also monitor the battery temperature and remaining battery capacity. The processor uses this information to determine how much power is available from the battery. Under ideal power and temperature conditions the heater can be run at maximum power speeding up the defogging process. But, when the battery temperature and or battery capacity levels are low, the control circuits can decrease the power applied to the heater element, providing some level of defogging capability without causing the system to power down due to low voltage.

Referring to FIG. 8, the example mobile device 100 incorporates a sensor 119 which may be a temperature sensor such as an IR temperature sensor that directly measures the temperature of the window 102 (FIG. 1) or the temperature of the passive optics 105 and/or transparent window 106 or any other component that may be subject to fogging or frosting. The temperature of, for example, the window 102 can be monitored over time and when a large enough temperature change over a short time period occurs such that the window 102 is subject to fogging or frosting, the heater 144 can be activated. When the condition in which the fogging or frosting is likely to occur has passed, the heater can be deactivated. The charge state and other measurements associated with the battery may be obtained from a battery monitoring circuit 202 so as to establish other conditions governing use of the heater. Such battery monitoring circuits are commercially available and are often referred to as a “battery fuel gauge” or the like and are commonly integrated into battery packs to provide information about the battery. The battery monitoring circuit will be discussed in greater detail later.

FIG. 9 is an example of one process consistent with this embodiment starting at 204. In this example, the temperature of a surface such as window 102 or 106 is monitored by sensor 119 and this temperature is saved as T_Last. The process waits for a prescribed period of time (e.g., two seconds) at 208 and then moves to 210 where the temperature of the same surface is measured again. This new measurement is referenced herein as T_Current. At 212, T_Current is compared to T_Last (the previous measurement) to determine if there has been a change, how much the change is and if the temperature increased or decreased. With this information the processor(s) 111 can determine if the conditions are likely to produce a fog or frost condition on the window at 214.

In this example, if a fog or frost condition is established at 214, the heater 144 can be activated at 216. As will be discussed later, the activation of the heater may be further subject to other conditions such as the state of charge of the battery and temperature thereof. Moreover, the heater may be activated to less than 100% of its capacity in order to preserve battery charge or minimize peak power drain under some circumstances. But for the present embodiment, the heater is activated at 216 and the value of T_Last is changed to the most recent measurement T_Current at 220. The process then proceeds to 208 and repeats.

In the event the processor 111 determines at 214 that no frost or fog condition exists, the heater can be deactivated at 224.

In this example, a fog or frost condition may be deemed to exist if, for example, the temperature changes by for example a rise in temperature of ΔT=3° C. in two seconds as might occur if the device 100 is taken from a walk-in freezer to a heated space or outdoors, or taken from outdoors in freezing conditions to a heated interior. (However, the actual temperature change over time should likely be calibrated for a particular device and set of anticipated environmental circumstances.) Under these circumstances the heater can be activated for a period of time that will serve to prevent or remove fog or frost. In one embodiment, the process 214 determines if a fog or frost condition has passed by determining that the window has reached a prescribed temperature associated with a likelihood of the fog or frost being cleared T_Clear of, for example, 25° C.

The occurrence of fog or frost can vary greatly depending upon humidity as well as temperature change. In the present embodiment, the amount of temperature change that signifies that a fog or frost condition might occur varies with the environment. So, for example, a temperature increase of 10° C. over the course of a few seconds might cause fogging in a high humidity environment such as in tropical South Florida. But, a similar temperature change in a low humidity environment such as the Arizona desert may require a much larger temperature swing to induce fog. Accordingly, it is desirable for the sensitivity of the temperature change measurement to be adjustable by the user or other entity that configures the mobile device 100.

In the example provided, only one pair of temperature measurements are used at a time to carry out the process. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate upon consideration of the present teachings that a plurality of measurements over a longer span of time may be used to better characterize the temperature changes and provide a more optimal process. Furthermore, it is noted that it is desirable to incorporate a level of hysteresis into the process to assure that the system does not become unstable.

In another example embodiment, the actual presence of fog or frost on window 102 or 106 can be used to determine that the heater 144 should be activated or deactivated. In this example embodiment, example mobile device 100 incorporates a sensor as sensor(s) 119 which is capable of examining the window 102 and/or 106 (or other surface susceptible to fog or frost) for the presence of fog or frost. A number of different types of sensors can be utilized to detect fog or frost including, but not limited to, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, etc. In one example embodiment, such detection can be done optically by use of an optical sensor as sensor 119. Advantageously, the window 106 may cover a suitable optical sensor for examination of the window 106 for frost or fog. A second sensor can be provided for window 102 or the system can rely upon a single sensor as an indicator that there is a fog or frost problem.

In this example embodiment, the visible/optical characteristics of the window when in a frosted or fogged condition are characterized. Generally, during a full fog or frost, the window will be white with few visible color or brightness transitions. Moreover, images beyond the window are not visible. When such an image is recognized by processor(s) 111, the window is deemed to be fogged or frosted. The fogging or frosting process may be detected as it is happening if substantial portions of the window exhibit fog or frost properties and in particular if the portion of the window exhibiting fog or frost properties is rapidly increasing in area. When the fogging or frosting is being removed by heater 144, the amount of white area in the image will diminish until the system can deem that the process for removal of the fog or frost is complete. In order to preserve battery charge further, the heater 144 may be activated by less than 100% of its full heating capacity (e.g., 50%).

In another embodiment, an ultrasound sensor can be utilized as sensor 119. Fog or frost can be detected using a continuously vibrating ultrasound sensor diaphragm which is forced into oscillation at its resonant or natural frequency by a piezoelectric material. In this example, the diaphragm is exposed to the environment outside the case of device 100. The piezoelectric material is driven by an electronic oscillator. The resonant frequency is ultrasonic (above 70 kHz) and the maximum oscillation amplitude is very small (under 1 micrometer) so that effectively there are no moving parts. When frost is deposited on the sensor diaphragm, it increases the stiffness and mass of the diaphragm, hence increasing the natural resonant frequency. Water or liquid contaminants increase the sensor diaphragm mass without increasing the stiffness thus decreasing the natural frequency. Thus, a change in the natural resonant frequency of the ultrasound sensor is indicative of a deposit of frost or fog onto the sensor.

In another example embodiment, a pulse-amplitude technique can be used. A piezoelectric ceramic crystal (PCC) acts as a transmitter and launches an ultrasonic pulse through a delay line to the surface being monitored. After initial excitation, the PCC acts as a receiver and detects an echo returning from the surface. The delay line guarantees that the PCC has recovered from the initial excitation before it receives the returning echo. When an air interface is present at the surface being measured (i.e., no frost) a maximum amount of energy is reflected. When frost is present, approximately 30 percent of the transmitted ultrasonic energy propagates in the ice, thus reducing the level of the reflected signal the PCC receives. This level reduction provides an indication of the presence of thin ice layers (frost). Once the ice has exceeded the threshold thickness, the sensor continues to detect the presence of ice. The presence of fog also affects the reflected energy. Detection of the changes caused by fog can also be characterized and used as an indication that a heating element should be activated.

In another embodiment, a pulse-echo technique can be used. In this technique, there are two PCC's. One acts as a pulse transmitter, and the other acts as a pulse echo receiver. A high-frequency excitation signal is sent to the first PCC, which transmits an acoustic pulse toward the sensing surface. Either the sensing face or the surface of the frost, when frost is present, reflects the acoustic pulse. The second PCC receives the returning echo. The processor measures the transit time between excitation and receipt of the returning echo, thereby determining the amount of accumulated ice (frost). The presence of fog also affects this transit time and can be characterized for a particular device to determine that fog is present.

Hence, in the present embodiment the sensor 119 detects the actual presence of fog or frost on a surface such as the display window 102 and this detection is used to control the heater 144 as depicted in the example flow chart of FIG. 10 starting at 240. While optical and ultrasound techniques are described above, other sensing operations might also be used to sense the presence of fog or frost (e.g., conductivity, reflectivity, etc.) At 242 the sensor is read to obtain data that is analyzed at 244 to determine if a fog or frost condition exists. If so, the heater 144 is activated at 246 until the fog/frost condition is gone at 244. Once the sensor data indicates that there is no longer a fog or frost condition at 244, the heater can be deactivated at 250.

In this example, if a fog or frost condition is established at 244, the heater 144 can be activated at 246. As will be discussed later, the activation of the heater may be further subject to other conditions such as the state of charge of the battery and temperature thereof.

Furthermore, it is noted that in all embodiments it is desirable to incorporate a level of hysteresis into the process of turning the heater on and off to assure that the system does not become unstable.

It should be apparent from the discussion above, the power consumed by a heater element in combating fog and frost can be substantial in some situations for a mobile device 100 and can result in decreased time between charges and shorter run time. However, it may be desirable to manage power consumption not only for a display heater element or the like but additionally for any number of other systems that consume power within a mobile device 100. In the device shown in FIG. 8, for example, in addition to the heater (energy-using component) 144, there are a number of other systems that can consume significant amounts of battery power. Some of these systems use power in bursts while others may consume a relatively consistent amount of power. For example, scanner 114 and camera 115 may only consume significant power when used. The display 101 when active, may consume considerable power for backlighting. The processor 111 may operate at multiple processor(s) speeds so that the power consumed can be limited at the expense of performance.

The mobile device 100 may also incorporate multiple radio interfaces including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 compatible interface, WAN interface and near field communications interface. Depending upon the primary function of device 100, these interfaces may or may not be required to be active at all times. Moreover, such systems normally consume more power when transmitting than when receiving or standing by. Transmission can often be postponed for short periods without serious impact on the functionality of the device.

When the mobile device consumes high amounts of peak power during normal operation, such peak power events can cause the mobile device 100 to suspend or shut down even though there may be substantial battery power remaining. In some devices, a peak power event can cause the device to shut down when there is 30% or more capacity left in the battery. This early shut down generally forces the user to interrupt his normal activities to change the battery pack or recharge the battery before the day's work is completed.

In order to more fully take advantage of battery capacity, in certain embodiments consistent with the present invention the system recognizes factors that can cause early power down events. Power management directed toward the specific systems or processes in the mobile device 100 can be used to reduce or ameliorate peak power events that could result in early shut down of the device. In certain embodiments, this power management allows the user to utilize more of the battery's capacity and improve run time.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the battery monitor 202 is implemented using any suitable battery monitoring circuit (discrete or integrated). Such circuits can commonly report a great deal of information regarding the battery pack including temperature, voltage, discharge data that characterizes the battery's discharge curve, and data logging functions. The battery monitor 202 reports the data relating to the battery to the processor 111 via data bus 110 in this example. Temperature can be measured using a thermistor that is incorporated into the circuit while terminal voltage can be measured directly at the battery terminals. Instantaneous current draw can be measured by detecting the voltage across a very small resistance in series with the battery and calculating the current using Ohm's law.

In accord with certain embodiments, the processor 101 receives or retrieves data that reports the battery's average temperature, terminal voltage, and current draw to create a battery power factor (referred to herein as BATT_PWR_FACTOR) that may be used to recognize power states in which the computer can cause an early power down event. The processor then controls the device's power consumption by use of a prioritization of the functions and systems operating on the device that can be disabled or scaled back.

In certain embodiments, each sub-system or process within the device 100 can be assigned one or more priorities associated with its operational state. The processor 101 looks at the priority assigned to of each individual device and reduces the power level of the lowest priority devices in accord with a power management arrangement. BATT_PWR_FACTOR can then be re-checked to determine if additional devices or systems should be powered down or power reduced. This process proceeds until a target power consumption is reached. The power consumption can thereby dynamically adapt the power level to increase the useful battery life based on present conditions.

A process for carrying out a power management function is depicted in FIG. 11 in flow chart form starting at 304.

In accord with the present teachings, the priorities for various systems and processes that can be managed may be stored in a look-up table stored in memory 112 or storage 113. An example priority table is depicted as TABLE 1. Additionally, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR can be determined from data reported by battery monitor 202 for voltage, current and temperature. In this example embodiment, a battery power factor BATT_PWR_FACTOR can be computed from the voltage, current, and temperature data as shown in TABLE 2.

TABLE 1 as depicted below provides a priority list with a numerical designation of priority. In the example shown, the lower the priority number in this example, the lower the priority of a particular system or process. As the process of FIG. 11 describes, when the BATT_PWR_FACTOR exceeds a threshold, systems or processes can be controlled to reduce their respective power consumption until the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is reduced to a prescribed value. In this manner, the peak power consumption can be managed.

TABLE 1 Example Priority List User could select other priority levels Device Power State Priority CPU SPEED 60% 12 CPU SPEED 30% 1 Backlight reduced to 10 minimum. Backlight blanked when 2 scanning. Scanner Disabled 3 WAN Disabled 4 WAN cycled off for 8 extended periods. 802.11 Disabled 5 802.11 cycled off for 7 extended periods Speaker Volume 11 reduced to minimum Haptics disabled 6 BT radio disabled 9 NFC radio Disabled 13 Camera disabled 15 Other devices disabled 14 Heater @ 100% 17 Heater @ 50% Duty 16 Cycle

In this example, system the lowest priority action is related to the clock speed of processor 101. Based on this prioritization, when the BATT_PWR_FACTOR exceeds a prescribed threshold, the first action taken by the power management process is to reduce the clock speed to the processor by 30% (Priority 1). If this is not adequate to bring the BATT_PWR_FACTOR down to an acceptable range, the backlight is blanked when scanning (Priority 2). If this is not adequate to bring the BATT_PWR_FACTOR down to an acceptable range, the scanner is disabled (Priority 3) and so on. These priorities may be user manipulated or factory set.

In this example, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is computed by first reading the temperature, voltage, and current from battery monitor 202. TABLE 2 below shows example ranges of temperature, voltage and current for this example battery pack and factors T, V and I representing a figure of merit ranging from values of 1 to 8 for each. These values can be user manipulated or factory set.

TABLE 2 Table used to calculate BATT_PWR_FACTOR. All measurements are 5 second running averages. T + V + I = BATT_PWR_FACTOR Temperature Factor (T) T >=10 C. 1 −5 C. < T < 10 C. 3 T <=−5 C. 8 Voltage Factor (V) V >=3.8 V 1 3.5 V < V < 3.8 V 3 V <=3.5 V 8 Current Factor (I) I <=400 mA 1 400 mA < I < 800 mA 3 I >=800 mA 8

The battery power factor is then computed as: BATT_PWR_FACTOR=T+V+I.

Thus, if the temperature is between −5° C. and 10° C., the voltage is greater than 3.8 volts and the current is less than 400 mA, the value of BATT_PWR_FACTOR would be computed as: BATT_PWR_FACTOR=3+1+1=5.

This BATT_PWR_FACTOR is tested against a prescribed threshold (7 in the example shown) to determine if systems or processes should be shut down or changed.

Returning to FIG. 11, at 308 the power management process is initialized by setting BATT_PWR_FACTOR=0. Whenever the threshold for the battery power factor has been exceeded, a BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is set to one, so at initialization at 308, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is initialized to zero. In addition, the process uses an earlier version of the battery power factor (before the most recent change) and that value is designated LAST_BPF. At 308, this value is also initialized to zero. Control then passes to 310

At 310, the battery temperature, voltage, and current are read from battery monitor 202 and the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is computed at 312.

Once the BATT_PWR_FACTOR has been calculated at 312, it is compared to a threshold at 314 (which may be factory set or user manipulated) and in this example is set to 7. If the BATT_PWR_FACTOR does not exceed this threshold at 314, the process proceeds to 318.

At 318, the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is inspected and if it is not set to 1, the process returns to 310 for a next battery data reading.

At 320, if the BATT_PWR_FACTOR exceeded the threshold at 314 then the current BATT_PWR_FACTOR is saved as LAST_BPF and the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is set to 1 and the process proceeds to 324.

At 324, the lowest priority system that is running in full power mode is changed (e.g., the processor clock speed is lowest priority and the processor clock speed is the first change made by reducing the clock speed by 30%). The change will take the target system or process to a lower power state (in this example, a lower clock speed). When this system or process change is made, the process goes back to 310 to again check the battery data. This aids in determining the effectiveness of each incremental reduction in power.

Returning to 318, if the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is set to (as it will be on at least the first cycle through the process after the bit has been set at 320), then the BATT_PWR_FACTOR is compared to LAST_BPF+2 at 328. The requirement that the BATT_PWR_FACTOR be at most two less than the LAST_BPF adds hysteresis to the system to prevent instability. When this requirement is met at 330, the process can begin to re-activate systems that have been turned off and resume a higher power consumption rate for systems that have been compromised to reduce power (e.g., return the processor to 100% clock speed). Hence, at 330, the highest priority system is restored to full power and the process goes to 334.

If any systems or processes are still in a lower power mode at 334, the process returns to 310 for the next reading of battery data. If on the other hand, there are no systems or processes that remain in the lower power mode (including inactivated) at 334, then the BATT_PWR_FACTOR_BIT is cleared to zero and the process returns to 310.

In the example provided, the terminal voltage, current drain, and temperature of the battery are measured by the battery monitor device. However, in other embodiments fewer or more battery characteristics can be measured. For example, in the case where the battery monitor circuit 202 maintains data representing a battery's discharge curve, the battery's current position on the discharge curve can be used instead of or in addition to the other data discussed. In other example embodiments, a single battery measurement (e.g., terminal voltage or temperature) or a combination of two or more battery characteristics can be used to create a battery power factor without limitation.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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Example embodiments of the present invention are thus described in relation to managing energy usage by a mobile device.

For clarity and brevity, as well as to avoid unnecessary or unhelpful obfuscating, obscuring, obstructing, or occluding features of an example embodiment, certain intricacies and details, which are known generally to artisans of ordinary skill in related technologies, may have been omitted or discussed in less than exhaustive detail. Any such omissions or discussions are neither necessary for describing example embodiments of the invention, nor particularly relevant to understanding of significant elements, features, functions, and aspects of the example embodiments described herein.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such example embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and the term “or” is used in an inclusive (and not exclusive) sense. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling condensation on a mobile device, comprising: providing a programmed processor, one or more sensors, and an energy transfer element that, when activated, removes condensation within the mobile device; wherein the processor is configured to receive sensor information from a sensor disposed in the mobile device to determine that there is condensation, wherein the processor determines that the condensation is present by analyzing an image captured by the sensor; wherein, in response to determining that condensation is present, the processor is configured to activate the energy transfer element to remove the condensation; and wherein, in response to detecting that the condensation has been cleared, the processor deactivates the energy transfer element.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor, and wherein the processor determines that there is condensation if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over a prescribed period of time.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines that the condensation has passed when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear.
 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the value of ΔT is adjustable.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor measures a temperature of a window covering a display or an imaging optics system.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a sensor that directly examines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presence of condensation.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasound sensor, and wherein the processor determines that the condensation is present by analysis of ultrasound signals that change in the presence of condensation.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein activating the energy transfer element comprises activating the heater element by less than 100%.
 10. A mobile device, comprising: one or more sensors that are configured to detect the presence of condensation on a surface of the mobile device; a battery that provides power to the mobile device; an energy transfer element that, when activated, removes the condensation from the surface of the mobile device; a programmed processor within the mobile device, the programmed processor being programmed to: receive sensor information from the one or more sensors disposed in the mobile device to determine if there is condensation, wherein the processor determines that the condensation is present by analyzing an image captured by the one or more sensors; in response to determining that condensation is present, activate the energy transfer element to remove the condensation; and in response to detecting that the condensation has been cleared, deactivate the energy transfer element.
 11. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor, and wherein the processor determines that there is condensation if the temperature rises by more than a threshold ΔT over a prescribed period of time.
 12. The mobile device according to claim 11, wherein the processor determines that the condensation has passed when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of a prescribed temperature T_Clear.
 13. The mobile device according to claim 11, wherein the value of ΔT is user adjustable.
 14. The mobile device according to claim 11, wherein the temperature sensor measures a temperature of a window covering a display or an imaging optics system.
 15. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a sensor that directly examines a surface of the mobile device to detect the presence of fog or frost.
 16. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more sensors comprise an optical sensor.
 17. The mobile device according to claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasound sensor, and where the processor determines that condensation is present by analysis of ultrasound signals that change in the presence of condensation.
 18. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein the energy transfer element comprises a heater element and where activating the energy transfer element comprises activating the heater element by less than 100%.
 19. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein activation of the energy transfer element is determined by a state of the battery.
 20. The mobile device according to claim 10, wherein the surface comprises at least one of a window covering a display of the mobile device, or a window covering an imager of the mobile device. 